News: environment
New Research on Governance Challenges for Ecosystem-Based Adaptation in Bangladesh
Environment Institute member Professor Melissa Nursey-Bray has co-authored a new article examining the governance challenges of implementing ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in Bangladesh. The paper, written with Syed Mohammad Aminur Rahman and Md. Masud-All-Kamal, explores how wetlands, which are vital for biodiversity and community resilience, are increasingly under threat from climate change and ecological degradation.
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How Hard is the Algal Bloom Hitting South Australia? Impacts on Marine Life & Humans
Our Environment Institute members have been active in the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) space. Discover the devastating effects of HABs on marine life, human health, and ecosystems. Learn which species are safe, the scale of destruction, and the solutions scientists are testing for recovery.
What does the future hold for our planet?
In the latest issue of Lumen, Director Professor Andrew Lowe responds to alumni readers’ questions about the future, from climate change and biodiversity loss to water security and government inaction. At the Environment Institute, our researchers are working to create real solutions to these challenges — combining world-leading science, citizen engagement, and education to drive lasting impact.
Building International Partnerships: CIFOR-ICRAF
Dr Robert Nasi, Director of Science, Centre for International Forest and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), recently visited the Environment Institute at the university of Adelaide as we continue to build and strengthen our successful partnership with CIFOR-ICRAF. Robert is an Adjunct professor at the university of Adelaide and featured as a panellist at the 2025 EI Research Symposium session “partner connected research”.
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The Harmful Algal Bloom – moving to finding a solution
As advised in a recent submission to the Australian Senate Inquiry into algal blooms in South Australia, researchers from the Environment Institute have recommended immediate actions. In the last month we produced and published the Environment Institute Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Capability statement to highlight this expertise, and help engagement with partners seeking to find solutions to the harmful algal bloom challenge.
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2025 Environment Institute Research Symposium
We held our annual research symposium, bringing together over 120 attendees - research partners, stakeholders, Environment Institute members, higher degree research students, and EI Advisory Board members.This engaging, energised day provided connection and learnings related to the Institute’s nine Research Initiatives, our research capabilities, key partnered projects, as well as future opportunities and cross sector trends.
[Read more about 2025 Environment Institute Research Symposium ]
Dr Phillipa McCormack on Ken Henry’s Call for Urgent Nature Law Reform
Dr Phillipa McCormack, Future Making Fellow at the Environment Institute, wrote about Ken Henry’s call for reform of Australia’s fragile environmental protection laws in The Conversation. In his speech to the National Press Club, Henry warned that Australia’s global reputation and its net zero commitments are at risk without urgent change. He described the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBCA) as “a misnomer if ever there was one” and condemned delays in reform.
[Read more about Dr Phillipa McCormack on Ken Henry’s Call for Urgent Nature Law Reform]
Innovating Climate Risk Assessments for Resilient Futures
New research from Environment Institute members is helping reshape how we assess climate risk in complex, fast-changing systems. Led by Dr Seth Westra, head of our Climate and Environmental Risk Research Initiative, and co-authored by Professor Holger Maier, the study introduces a new context-aware climate risk assessment framework designed to tackle the systemic complexity of climate-sensitive environments.
[Read more about Innovating Climate Risk Assessments for Resilient Futures]
Insects in Crisis: Tackling Biodiversity Challenges
The Environment Institute is proud to have supported Professor Austin’s participation at the Insects in Crisis symposium was held in Canberra, organised by the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ). The event brought together environmental practitioners, regulators, and researchers to address the alarming decline of insect biodiversity in Australia and worldwide.
[Read more about Insects in Crisis: Tackling Biodiversity Challenges ]
Biodiversity Win: South Australia’s New Act Sets a National Benchmark for Environmental Protection
Future Making Fellow Dr. Philippa McCormack, writing in The Conversation, praised South Australia's new Biodiversity Act as a bold step forward, noting that “nature laws can truly help the environment to flourish even as the climate changes,” while also addressing long-standing gaps between national and state responsibilities.
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